Omkar returns to Maharashtra after straying into Goa

Panaji/Mapusa: Omkar was successfully guided back into Maharashtra on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.

Sources said the tusker reached Ugade—located roughly 9km from the Goa border—on Monday morning after traversing the Tilari Fakirpata and Kalane regions.

A forest official told TOI that teams had to actively track and guide the elephant over a considerable distance. “We had to drive alongside and ensure it moved in the right direction,” he said. Forest officials stated that coordinated ground efforts helped avoid any man-animal conflict and ensured the safe movement of the elephant.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure Omkar has moved away and does not re-enter Goa. However, villagers in Pernem continue to be skeptical.

“It has become a pattern for him to come and play in Goa and return home to Maharashtra after a few weeks. However, the farmers in Maharashtra scare him back to the Tiracol river to protect their crops,” said a panch member from Tamboxem.

Last week, Omkar was guided to Maharashtra by the Goa forest department. After a brief stint in Digne village in Maharashtra, the elephant returned to Goa, as sources said that villagers in Maharashtra denied the animal safe passage.During his second stint in Goa, Omkar entered Pernem taluka in the early hours of March 4, retreated into Sindhudurg territory on the night of March 19, passing through Ugade village. The elephant was chased into Goa from Netade, Sindhudurg.
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